Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Do you need community service credits to graduate? Or perhaps are just looking for a way to make a difference? Here are two great ways to get involved:

1) If you are looking for a regular volunteer gig, join the Teen Advisory group at your local library. Most Sno-Isle Libraries have a teen advisory group where teens meet once or twice a month to decide what programs the library should offer for teens, help decorate bulletin boards, complete volunteer projects and more! Check our Events Calendar for more details. Or contact the Teen Librarian at your library. For additional information about other volunteer opportunities at Sno-Isle click here.

2) If you prefer a one-time volunteer event, check out Snohomish County Youth United. It is fun and easy. Just sign up for email updates about their monthly volunteer events hat happen all around Snohomish County for people aged 14-19, and pick the ones that fit your interests and schedule.

What do you get out of these? T-shirts, volunteer hours, a chance to meet new people, and a warm fuzzy feeling!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

This year’s theme is “Stewards of the Common Good.” Applying the principles of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to the common good of all people, how do you believe that you can become a Steward of the Common Good in your community?

Background and Instructions:Consider how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy affected the civil rights and other important issues of Americans. Take into account the principles Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. suggested in his “I Have A Dream” speech and how they may have impacted our country for the common good of all Americans. How do you believe you can apply Dr. Rev. King’s message to become a steward of the common good in your community?

Entries may be returned to any Sno-Isle community library, or to the Everett Mayor’s Office, (2930 Wetmore Avenue, 10th Floor, Everett 98201), attention Kate Reardon. Entries may be typed or handwritten and should include: Name, Phone Number, School, Teacher, and Grade. This information should be on the upper right hand corner of the first page of the entry.

Word Limit:Grades 6-8: 250-750 wordsGrades 9-12: 500-1,000 words

Contest Deadline: No later than 5 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009

Awards for Students:

1st Place Winners for each grade category receive series I Bonds – $500 for the high school category, $250 for the middle school category and $100 for the elementary school category.

1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners will be recognized at the MLK Community Breakfast Celebration in January 2010 and will receive awards.

Award Winners will be posted in The Everett Herald and displayed locally.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Some people strongly feel that books for teen should have absolutely no swearing in them at all. Other people think teen books should be as realistic as possible, and that this means using strong language sometimes.

Author Jackson Pearce was surprised that so many reviews of her new book As You Wish seem to focus on just one word...the "f-bomb" used only once in the book.

What do you think? Should authors clean it up, or is a little swearing realistic?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Here's a list of some of the most popular books we're seeing get checked out the most. I've removed stuff like Twilight & Harry Potter, because I'm pretty sure you've already heard of those... (if not, ask your friend. Or some safe-looking stranger on the street. Or come in and I'll be happy to fill your arms with stacks of books. Actually, I'd do that anyway. So, yeah... We have books. For you. At the library.):

Friday, November 6, 2009

Here's a way to let the whole region know about your Twilight love: The Seattle Times is having a contest on their website. Make your best argument as to which of Bella's love interests is better and the "authors of the most well-written, convincing arguments on each side will see "New Moon" and have their reviews filmed and featured on seattletimes.com."

All you have to do is comment on their post. You have until November 16th.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

I <3 David Levithan. I desperately wish I could go see him when he visits the Ballard Library a week from Saturday on November 14th. But, I'll be working here at the Lynnwood Library, so you should go for me and report back, k?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

David for his awesome Shaun of the Dead trailer, and the phrase "zombie goodness"and Pointless Dreamer for linking to a great zombie blog, loving zombie movies and dressing up as a zombie for Halloween. We want to see a photo!

To get your copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Deluxe Edition, email us teens@sno-isle.org, to let us know which Sno-Isle Library you want it sent to.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Did everyone have a ghoulish Halloween this weekend? Eat lots of candy? I did, but even Candy Master Anne has a breaking point, and as I ate my last fun size Twix, I threw the gold wrapper down in disgust. ENOUGH!

I started researching what I could do with all my leftover candy. I found some great dessert recipes, and even some science experiments I could conduct, but I came across the best solution: I'm going to send my leftover confections to our troops overseas.

Soldiers commonly request candy and gum in care packages. The candy should be heat resistant, so stuff like chocolate won't travel well, but things like Twizzlers, Skittles and any kind of hard candy will do just fine.

Find out how to send a care package by visiting these sites: Support Our Troops, Operation ShoeBox, or Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude has even started a nationwide buy back program for leftover Halloween candy. You can trade in your candy for $1/lb. at participating dentists in your area! Last year they collected over 21 tons of candy to send to our troops. Wowee zowee!